"Experience" Your Life

Not so long ago, I felt like I was going, going, going. So much to do, so little time. I would wake up feeling overwhelmed with my to-do list and the day had just begun. It's only Monday but I wish it was Friday.........you know the feeling! By nature, I like to keep busy and have a hard time sitting still. I guess you could say that even if I finished my to-do list for the day, I'd find something else to do! I like to accomplish things and feel like I am doing something productive with my time. Through the years, I've realized how important it is to STOP. Why am I moving so fast? What am I rushing for?

It doesn't matter how much we do or accomplish in life if you don't allow yourself to "experience" it. Have you ever noticed how each time you reach a goal, there is another one immediately following? What would you say if I told you that your goal is not what you produce? It's actually the feeling that you get once you reach your goal. Why not have that feeling now? We don't have to wait for things to happen to feel good. Enjoying the steps along the way can be even more rewarding than the end result!

I can't help but notice more and more, how busy the world is. My personal journey as a coach has opened my eyes to "experiencing" life, opposed to pushing thru it. Modern technology is great in so many ways. A great example is communities like these that allow us to connect with people all over the world, but what about the people right in front of you?

When I walk around the stores or outside, I can't help but notice how many people are texting, talking on the phone, or rushing by. I think it's great how we can connect with family and friends whenever we need to, but this stops you from noticing life around you. Take a moment to smile and acknowledge the people around you. You never know the impact it can have on your life. I'd like to share an experience with you:

I was a preschool teacher during my life coach training. I loved the children and the school was beautiful but it wasn't a positive work environment.
I found myself more and more affected by the negative attitudes and tried my best to counteract the negativity, but it didn't work. I am an empath and too much negativity can bring me down rather quickly. I knew that I found my passion as a coach, but still needed to pay my bills in the process. I started to question where I was in life. I wasn't sure whether or not I should pursue coaching full-time or continue to work full-time and coach part-time. I've always struggled financially, even with my education
(because of the career field I chose-social work). I prayed often, asking for guidance, searching for clarity. I'll never forget this day:

I decided to leave for my lunch break. Usually I stayed in the classroom to monitor the children while they slept, but something was telling me to get some fresh air. I went to the diner right down the street. I sat in the stool area. While I was eating, a man walked in. I couldn't help but notice him. He was well-dressed, hat and all. I looked at him and smiled, then continued to eat. He sat two stools away from me and I noticed from the corner of my eye how he continued to stare at me, smiling. Just to clarify, he wasn't flirting at all. This was different.......When I finished my lunch, I went to the register to pay. The manager came over to me and said that the gentleman in the hat is paying for your lunch. I was shocked to say the least; we didn't even speak to each other. I looked at the man and said, "Thank you, but you don't have to pay my bill."
He looked at me and I will never forget the feeling that came over me, he said, "Stay who you are." In that moment I knew, this man was a messenger. I went back to work with such a sense of peace and clarity. It was amazing. When I went home that afternoon, I walked up to my front door and was suddenly surrounded by white birds. There is no doubt in my mind that God spoke to me that day. After my life coach training, I followed my intuition to leave my job and pursue my own coaching practice, knowing I am exactly where I am supposed to be.

If I can leave you with anything.......Stop, breathe, and open your eyes to your surroundings. Take the time to "be" a part of your life and experience the people in it. Life will only pass you by if you let it. Take care of yourselves. Much love

"Making time in your life for the things that matter allows you to experience exactly that" ~Penny